Ruggedized modular marine display

ABSTRACT

An image module comprising: (a) an imaging device that graphically or pictorially captures images of underwater sea life (b) a module housing including one or more components that processing an image generated by the imaging device; wherein the image module is discrete from a marine display and is capable of being connected to the marine display so that the graphic or pictorial images of underwater seal life captured by the imaging device are displayed.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to a marine display and associatedcomponentry for displaying positioning data, graphic, and/or pictorialdata relating to underwater sea life.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor sports men and women that hunt and fish are using more and moretechnology to track their position, return to a predetermined position,and locate game and fish. Many sportspeople carry a global positioningdevice (GPS) that keeps track of their location while they are in thewoods or on the water so that a current location can be tracked and/or aposition may be saved so that the sportsperson can return to the samelocation at a later time. These sportspeople when fishing, for example,may also carry a fish finder to assist in locating fish, the depth ofthe fish, or the like thus requiring the sportsperson to carry multipledevices in order to accommodate all of their needs. Many of these fishfinders are the ‘flasher type’ that provides a flashing light indicatinga fish is located at a predetermined depth. The display portion provideslittle additional information other than the presence of a fish. Thefish finders include only one detection device so that only one locationis monitored at a time. Attempts have been made to provide more,detailed display devices that also provide other functionality such asGPS. However, coupling additional functionality together increasesprices above a price point such that users may be detracted frompurchasing the device, increases complexity of the devices, and may makethe device and added functionality bulky.

Examples of marine display devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.8,433,463; and U.S. Patent application Publication No. 2014/0010043;2014/0013259; 2014/0013270; and 2014/0013276 all of which are expresslyincorporated by reference in their entirety herein for all purposes. Itwould be attractive to have a marine display that is modular so thatfunctionality may be added and removed as needed. It would be attractiveto have a marine display that may be used when the user's hands arecovered in gloves so that the user can use the device in coldtemperatures without having to remove their gloves. What is needed is adevice that monitors a plurality of locations simultaneously. What isneeded is a device that allows a user to remotely monitor one or morelocations simultaneously. What is needed is a docking station thatremotely and/or locally provides information and/or power to a marinedisplay.

SUMMARY

One possible example of the present teachings include: an image modulecomprising: (a) an imaging device that graphically or pictoriallycaptures images of underwater sea life (b) a module housing includingone or more components that processes an image generated by the imagingdevice; wherein the image module is discrete from a marine display andis capable of being connected to the marine display so that the graphicor pictorial images of underwater seal life captured by the imagingdevice are displayed.

One possible embodiment of the present teachings include: a marinedisplay device comprising: (a) a housing including one or more ports forconnecting with one or more imaging devices that graphically orpictorially capture images of underwater sea life, (b) a display screenlocated within the housing that displays the graphical or pictorialimages of underwater sea life, displays one or more global positioningsatellite locations, one or more menu options, or a combination thereof,and (c) one or more sensors for detecting contact of the display screenby the user so that the contact by the user controls one or morefunctions of the marine display device; wherein the one or more sensorsdetect the contact of the user when the user is wearing gloves and theuser is making contact with one or more fingers.

Another possible embodiment of the present teachings include: a marinedisplay device comprising: (a) a housing including one or more ports forconnecting with one or more imaging devices that graphically orpictorially capture images of underwater sea life, (b) a display screenlocated within the housing that displays the graphical or pictorialimages of underwater sea life, displays one or more global positioningsatellite locations, one or more menu options, or a combination thereof,(c) one or more sensors for detecting contact of the display screen bythe user so that the contact by the user controls one or more functionsof the marine display device; and (d) one, or more internal powersupplies; wherein the marine display device is and displays thegraphical or pictorial images of underwater sea life without beingconnected to an external power source.

The present teachings provide: a marine streaming device comprising: (a)a carrier and (b) a housing connected to the carrier, the housingincluding: (i) one or more attachment points for receiving one or moreimage modules; (ii) one or more antennas that transmit wireless signalsreceived from the one or more image modules; and (iii) one or more powerpacks; and herein the marine streaming device transmits the wirelesssignals to one or more marine display devices so that the one or moredisplay devices display graphic or pictorial images of underwater sealife.

The present teachings provide: a method comprising: (a) connecting oneor more image modules to one or more display device, a streaming device,or both; (b) placing one or more imagining devices in water; (c)transmitting a signal from each of the one or more imaging devices tothe image module; (d) converting the signal from each of the one or moreimaging devices; and (e) displaying the converted signal on the one ormore display devices.

The present teachings provide a marine display that is, modular so thatfunctionality may be added and removed as needed. The present teachingsprovide a marine display that may be used when the user's hands arecovered in gloves so that the user can use the device in coldtemperatures without having to remove their gloves. The presentteachings provide a device that monitors a plurality of locationssimultaneously. The present teachings provide a device that allows auser to remotely monitor one or more locations simultaneously. Thepresent teachings provide a docking station remotely and/or locallyprovides information and/or power to a marine display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a display device;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the front of the display device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the rear of the display device, ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4A illustrates an image module and a transducer;

FIG. 4B illustrates an image module including an open water transducer;

FIG. 4C illustrates an image module including a camera;

FIG. 5 illustrates a display device having a dual display displayingmultiple hole locations;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of a display device including a dockingcradle;

FIG. 6A illustrates a docking cradle with a display device removed; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a streaming device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present invention as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description. The present applicationclaims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/002,422, filed onMay 23, 2014 the teachings of which are incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety for all purposes.

The display device may function to provide access to information,location information, graphical information, pictorial information, or acombination thereof. The display device may function to connect to oneor more image modules, one or more imaging devices, one or morestreaming devices, or a combination thereof. The display device may be ahandheld device, a mounted device, portable, or a combination thereof.The display device may be handheld and portably used without any otherexternal devices such as power. The display device may be ruggedized.The display device may include global positioning satellite (GPS)functionality. The display device may include functionality forprocessing graphical or pictorial images produced from an imagingdevice. Preferably, the display device is free of any functionality forprocessing graphical or pictorial images. The display device may includeone or more buttons for controlling the display device. The displaydevice may be free of buttons. The display device may include a singlebutton. The display device may display an image generated from a signalprovided across a wire. The display device may receive data fromwireless communication (e.g., via Bluetooth, near field communication(NFC). The display device may receive signals from a USB port, a dockingport, a HD video port, screen recording, display port, or a combinationthereof. The display device may include a display screen that issubstantially the same, size and the display device.

The display screen may function to display information, control thedisplay device, or both. The display screen may display one or morebuttons for controlling the display device. The display screen may bemade of a material that is substantially resistant to cracking,breaking, shattering, or a combination thereof. The display screen maybe made of poly(methyl methacrylate), alkali-aluminosilicate,borosilicate glass, or a combination thereof. The display may be made ofa material that allows sensing through the material so that sensors inthe display device may sense a user, a user's movement, or both.

The display may include one or more sensors that function to sensecontact by a user. The display may include a plurality of sensors thatsense touch, movement, or both by a user. The one or more sensors may beresistive sensors. The one or more sensors may be capacitive sensors.Preferably, the plurality of sensors are capacitive sensors. The sensorsmay sense contact by a user. Preferably, the sensors are sufficientlysensitive so that the sensors sense user contact when the user iswearing a hand covering such as wearing gloves. More preferably, thesensors are sufficiently sensitive that the sensors sense user contactthrough a hand covering such as gloves. An example of a sensor that maybe used to detect capacitance of a user wearing a glove is found in U.S.Patent Application publication no. 2013/0328828 the teachings of whichare incorporated in their entirety herein for all purposes. The one ormore sensors may allow for wet finger tracking. The one or more sensorsmay sense a finger that is damp or is covered by water and the one ormore sensors may be able to filter the signal so that the finger isaccurately tracked. The one or more sensors may filter snow, fluid, orother debris from a finger so that the movement of a user is trackedirrelevant of the external factors such as snow, water, ice, wetfingers, or a combination thereof. The one or more sensors function tohave wet rejection. The one or more sensors may distinguish between afinger and water. The one or more sensors may reject changes due towater. The one or more sensors may monitor movements of a user while theuser is wet, the device has water on the sensing surface, or both. Theone or more sensors may reject signals generated by water or fluid. Forexample, the one or more sensors may distinguish between water, a watercovered finger, and a dry finger so that the sensor may respond to thecommands of the user. The one or more sensors, the one or more displayscreens, the display device, or a combination thereof may be covered by,protected by, surrounded by, or a combination thereof one or moreprotective bumpers.

The one or more protective bumpers may function to protect the displaydevice, protect the display device from shock, protect the displaydevice from fluids, protect the display device from impact, or acombination thereof. The one or more protective bumpers may cover one ormore corners, sides, edges, surfaces, or a combination thereof of thedisplay device. The one or more protective bumpers may be a singleprotective bumper that extends around a periphery of the display device.The one or more protective bumpers may be fluid resistant, may provide afluid resistant layer, a fluid resistant barrier, or a combinationthereof. The one or more protective bumpers may be sufficiently thick sothat upon impact the display device is protected from damage. The one ormore protective bumpers may have a thickness that is about 1 mm or more,about 2 mm or more, or even about 3 mm or more. The one or moreprotective bumpers may have one or more molded portions, formedportions, or both. The one or more protective bumpers may include one ormore gripping portions.

The one or more gripping portions may function to increase gripping ofthe display device. Preferably, the one or more gripping portionsfunction to increase gripping of the display device when the user iswearing hand coverings such as mittens or gloves. The one or moregripping portions may extend around a periphery of the display device.The one or more gripping portions may be on one or more sides of thedisplay device, one or more edges of the display device, or both.Preferably, the gripping portions are located on two opposing edges ofthe display device. The one or more gripping portions may be located onopposing sides of one or more through holes in the protective bumpers.The one or more through holes may permit one or more buttons, one ormore switches, one or more control devices, or a combination thereof toextend through the one or more gripping portions so that a user hasaccess to the one or more buttons, one or more switches, one or morecontrol devices, or a combination thereof.

The one or more switches may function to control the display device. Theone or more switches may function to turn the display device on and off.The one or more switches may reset the display device. The one or moreswitches may extend through an attachment stand.

The one or more attachment stands may function to support the displaydevice so that the display device is in an elevated position so that thedisplay is visible to one or more users. The one or more attachmentstands may function to mount the display device in a display stand. Theone or more attachment stands may have one or more connection points.The one or more connection points may physically connect the displaydevice, the attachment stand or both to a stand. The one or moreconnection points may be one or more threaded members that connect oneor more components to the attachment stand and are adjustable,removable, or both to connect the display device, the attachment stand,or both to a display stand. The one or more connection points may be abolt, a screw, a wing-nut, a locking member, a male and femaleconnector, or a combination thereof. The one or more attachment standsmay include one or more self-supporting stands. For example, theself-supporting stands may be a kick stand that props up the displaydevice. The one or more attachment, stands may prop up the displaydevice so that one or more displays on the display device are visible toa user. The one or more attachment stands may include and/or beconnected to one or more docking cradles, docking cradles, or both.

The one or more docking cradles may function to support the displaydevice connect the display device to a stand, act as a stand, or acombination thereof. The one or more docking cradles may include one ormore through holes for accessing, the one or more ports. The dockingcradles may provide protection to the display device. The one or moredocking cradles may assist in aligning the one or more image moduleswith the one or more display devices. The one or more docking cradlesmay connect to a rear of the display device. The docking cradle mayinclude one or more ports. At least one of the one or more ports may bea power port. The power port may automatically connect to the displaydevice. The display device upon connection with the power port of thedocking cradle may automatically switch to the power supplied throughthe docking cradle. For example, upon docking the power source may beswitched from an internal power source to an external power source. Theexternal power source may be a wired power source, a hard wired powersource, a battery, or a combination thereof. The external power sourcemay charge the internal power source (e.g., an internal lithium ionbattery). The one or more docking cradles may be connected by one ormore latches. The one or more latches may allow a user to remove the oneor more docking cradles from the display device. Preferably, the dockingcradle includes at least two spaced apart latches. The latches mayextend into a portion of the display device so that the docking cradleis fixedly connected to the display device. The one or more latches maybe releasable so that the display device may be released from thedocking cradle. The one or more latches may be used in conjunction withone or more support ledges.

The one or more support ledges may extend under a portion of the displaydevice. The one or more support ledges may function to support a bottomportion of a display device. The one or more support ledges may bear theweight of the display device. The one or more support ledges may contacta longitudinal edge, a lateral edge, or both of the display device. Theone or more support ledges may include a compliant material. Thecompliant material may prevent the support ledge from making noise,damaging, or both the display device. The support ledge may support thedisplay device and the one or more ledges may lock the display device onthe support ledge. The one or more latches may connect the dockingcradles to the display device so that the display of the display deviceis visible to one or more users.

The display device may have a single display. The display device mayprovide a dual display. For example, the display device may show twosonar displays side by side or one on top of the other. The displaydevice may display three or more displays. The display screen may besegregated into one or more, two or more, three or more, or even four ormore displays so that an equal number of users may each view a separateportion of a screen. For example, when the display is set to dualdisplay the display may show two features side by side such as two fishdisplays from two separate transducers or cameras. The dual display mayoverlay, two or more displays. For example, when a camera and sonar areused simultaneously the camera display may be overlaid over the sonar sothat both the sonar display and the camera display are visible on asingle screen. In another example, a GPS display may be placed over amap of a lake or other feature of interest so that a precise locationmay be found. The display device may provide for indirect viewing.

The display device may provide for head up display. The display devicemay be connected to a projector, a viewing device, or both. The displaydevice may have a port that a projector plugs into. The display devicemay transmit a signal to glasses (e.g., augmented reality glasses). Thedisplay device may be switched from a direct display configuration to ahead up display configuration. For example, the display may have aninternal projector that projects outward to create a head up display.The display device may project an image on another device or feature.For example, if the display device is used on a boat the head up displaymay be projected onto a windshield of the boat. However, the head updisplay may be displayed against a side of a shanty, a boat, a bucket,ice, storage bin, or a combination thereof so that the display isproximate to a location of focus. The heads up display may allowmultiple users to view a display without looking at the display device.The display screen may project the image to create the heads up display.A projector may be located in the display device that projects theimage.

The display device may display the same number of displays as there areimaging devices such as transducers, cameras, or the like connected tothe display device. The display device may be connected to a pluralityof imaging devices through one or more ports and the display device mayhave an equal number of displays as there are imaging devices.

The one or more ports may function as an input, an output, or both. Theone or more ports may function to receive data from the one or moreimaging devices. The one or ports may provide power (i.e., power ports)to the one or more imaging devices. The one or more ports may receivepower from a power source (i.e., power ports) for charging the displaydevice. The one or more ports may provide control signals to an imagingdevice so that the angle, size, strength, direction, focus, or acombination thereof of the imaging device may be changed and/oradjustment. The one or more ports may receive graphic data, pictorialdata, or both. The one or more ports may connect to one or more imagingdevices. The one or more ports may be a USB port, a micro USB, or both.The one or more ports may connect to a power cord, transducer, openwater transducer, camera, or a combination thereof. There may be oneport, for each functional device (e.g., image module). For example,there may be, an input port for receiving data, a power port forproviding power to an image module, and a control port for controllingan image module. The one or more ports may function to connect thedisplay device to one or more modules, one or more module ports, one ormore module cords, or a combination thereof.

The one or more module cords may be connected to one or more of themodules discussed herein. The one or more module cords may be connectedto a transducer, an open water transducer, a camera, or a combinationthereof. The one or more module cords may function to permit power, asignal, or both to be moved between an imaging device and an imagemodule, a module, or both. The one or more module cords may function toallow an imaging device to be placed in a body of water for monitoringthe sea life within the body of water. The one or more module cords mayconnect virtually any device to the display device. The one or moremodule cords may include one or more module ports.

The one or more module ports may function to connect to an imagingdevice, module, a port, the display device, or a combination thereof.The one or more module ports may function to allow signals, power, orboth to move between two or more devices. The one or more module portsmay include one or more wires and preferably a plurality of wires thatallow for transmission of signals, power, or both. The one or moduleports may connect to any port of the device taught herein. Preferablythe one or more module ports may connect to a port located within amodule.

The modules may fun ion to adapt a display device to include anyadditional characteristics that are desired by a user. The modules mayadd function to the display device. The modules may be powered,non-powered, or both. The modules when connected to the display devicemay perform all or a portion of the processing of a given function.Preferably, the modules perform all of the processing when connected toa display device and pass a signal to the display device for displayonly. However, the display device may have to perform some processing inorder to convert the signal from the module to a signal that may bedisplayed. The modules may include data, programs, algorithms, externalcomputing, antennas, receivers, memory, or a combination thereof. Themodules may provide global position satellite (GPS) capabilities. Forexample, the display device may not be used for positioning, but ifpositioning is desired a GPS module may be connected to the displaydevice so that the display device now has GPS capabilities (e.g.,storing locations, tracking, overlaying a current position over asatellite map and/or topography may). The modules may be hardwired,wireless, or both. The modules may provide signals via Bluetooth, nearfield communication, or both. For example, the modules may remain at alocation of interest and monitor the location of interest and thedisplay device may be handheld and transported while monitoring thelocation of interest. The modules may be image modules that may provideimages to the display device.

The one or more image modules may each include a module housing,componentry such as drivers, a transducer, an open water transducer, acamera, or a combination thereof. The one or more image modules mayfunction to receive data, process data, transmit data, or a combinationthereof between an imaging device and a display device. The image modulemay receive data from an imaging device, filter the data, and transmitthe filtered data to a display device so that the information isdisplayed to a user. The image module may be discrete from the displaydevice. The image module may function wholly separate from the displaydevice, streaming device, or both. The imaging module may include amodule housing that is wired or wirelessly in communication with animaging device.

The module housing may include one or, more printed circuit boards thatinclude one or more drivers, microprocessors, filters, memory, randomaccess memory, analog to digital converters, digital to analogconverters, compressors, decompresses, flash memory, or a combinationthereof. The module, housing may include and/or be connected to one ormore speed processors (e.g., hall effect sensors, Doppler sensor, orboth); temperature sensors (e.g., Negative Temperature Coefficientsensors, thermistors or both); or both. The module housing may includeflash memory, random access memory, or both. The module housing mayinclude one or more analog to digital converters. The module housing mayinclude one or more buses allow a signal to transmit from an imagemodule to a microprocessor. The module housing may include one or moredevices for compressing a signal, decompressing a signal, encoding asignal, decoding a signal, or a combination thereof. The module housingmay include one or more microprocessors for processing a signal,pre-processing a signal, transmitting a signal, encoding a signal,compressing a signal, converting a signal from digital to analog,converting a signal from analog to digital, or a combination thereof.The printed circuit board may include an analog to digital converterthat converts a signal and transmits the signal to a microprocessor. Themodule housing may include a power pack. The module housing may be freeof a power pack.

The one or more power packs may function to store energy and providepower to the display device, streaming device, or both during operation.The one or more power packs may be any stored energy source that allowsthat system to operate. The one or more power packs may be a one or morebatteries, one or more capacitors, or both. The one or more power packsmay be one or more lithium ion batteries. The one or more power packsmay be an integral part of the display device so that the display deviceis readily mobile. The one or more power packs may be internal so that aseparate power source (e.g., battery) does not need to be carried and/orattached in order to transport the display device. The one or more powerpacks may be a plurality of lithium ion batteries. The power pack may beconnected to a power source for charging, running the device, or both.The power source may be a standard outlet, a cigarette lighter, a solarpanel, or a combination thereof. The display device, streaming device,or both may include a solar panel that powers the devices when the solarpanel is in use. The one or more power packs may provide power to one ormore image devices (e.g. one or more transducers, one or more open watertransducers, one or more cameras, or a combination thereof). The one ormore imaging devices may be powered by the power packs simultaneously,in series, one at a time, each by a discrete power pack, or acombination thereof.

The one or more imaging devices may be one or more transducers, one ormore open water transducers, one or more cameras, or a combinationthereof that may be used in parallel, in series, together, or acombination thereof. The one or more imaging devices may function togenerate a pictorial image, a graphic image, or both. The one or moreimaging devices may measure and/or assist in measuring water depth,water temperature, speed, turbidity, speed of water currents, or acombination thereof. The one or more imaging devices may be a digitalcamera, analog camera, sonar, or a combination thereof. The one or moreimaging devices may include a portion above water and a portion withinwater. For example, a sonar system may include a transducer that islowered into the water to produce an image.

The one or more transducers may function to send and/or receive one orshore sound waves. The one or more transducers may function to detectdepth, sea life, or both using sound waves. The transducers may functionto be placed through a hole in ice to detect sea life. The one or moretransducers may generate signals that are provided to a microprocessorand those signals may be used to generate an image, an indication, orboth. For example, if a fish swims through a sound wave produced by thetransducer the sound wave will return to the transducer and this signalwill be provided to the microprocessor so that the microprocessor isable to determine the depth of the fish, the size of the fish, or bothand graphically depict the presence of a fish such as by a symbol,blinking light, blip, or a combination thereof.

The one or more open water transducers may function to be used duringmotion across open water. The one or more open water transducers mayfunction to be mounted to, installed within, moved behind, or acombination thereof a moving and/or stationary vessel and transmit sonarto determine depth, speed, sea life, or a combination thereof. The oneor more open water transducers may be mounted to a front, a rear, in ahull, through the hull, or a combination thereof of a vessel (e.g. tothe boat hull). The one or more open water transducers may be connectedto fishing gear. For example, the open water transducer may be connectedto a down rigger ball or down rigger cable. The one or sore open watertransducers may monitor the speed of a vessel by measuring Dopplereffect, using hail effect sensors, or both. The one or more open watertransducers may measure the temperature at the depth of the transducerso that thermoclines, temperature gradients, or both may be monitoredand/or measured by the system. The one or more open water transducersmay provide a signal in the same way as the transducers and theteachings of the transducers are incorporated by reference into the openwater transducers.

The camera may be any device that functions to generate a picture ofunderwater sea life. The camera may function to be waterproof, waterresistant, or both so that the camera functions under water. The cameramay take digital images, stream a digital feed, stream an analog stream,or both. The camera may hang from a line and be static. The camera mayinclude controls so that the camera may be focused. The camera mayinclude controls so that the camera may be rotated, moved up, moveddown, moved to a location away from a suspending line, or a combinationthereof. The camera may include rudders, fins, a propeller, lights,infrared sensors, infrared focusing capabilities, low light focusing, ora combination thereof. The one or more imaging devices may be connectedto and include recording capabilities.

The recording capabilities may function to record GPS position, sonardata, underwater video footage, weather related information, or acombination thereof. The recording capabilities may take video footage,screen shots, have playback capabilities, or a combination thereof. Therecording capabilities may be looped so that when an event occurs therecording may be started retroactively. For example, the recording maybe on a ten minute loop and when an event occurs the user may save andstore the previous ten minutes of events, and if the events are notstored, the events will be lost. The recording capabilities may allowfor a video out feed so that the video may be transmitted to an externalrecording system via any of the systems discussed herein such aswireless, wired, Bluetooth, near field communication, or a combinationthereof. The recording capabilities may be part of a discrete modulethat may be connected to the display device. For example, the displaydevice may be connected to a sonar module in one port, a video module ina second port, and a recording module in a third port that records theinput from port one and port two. The one or more imaging devices, thedisplay device, the recording device, or a combination thereof mayinclude zooming capabilities.

The zooming capabilities may function to zoom in on one or more featuresof interest. The zooming capabilities may occur real time, from arecording, or both. The zooming capabilities may zoom, a camera, atransducer, or both. The zooming capabilities may allow a user to zoomin on a water column, a feature of interest, or both. For example, ifmost of the marine life are located within a depth of 10 feet to 20 feetthe display device may zoom in so that the transducer and/or camerafocuses only on that depth and excludes the other depths. The zoomingcapabilities may function to focus on a specific zone, region, column,depth, or a combination thereof. The zooming capabilities may functionto allow for widening of the view so that a larger area or volume isbeing viewed. The zooming capabilities may be 1× or more, 2× or more,2.5× or more, 3× or more, 5× or more, or even 10× or more. When thezooming capabilities are being used the sensitivity may be increased.For example, a more accurate depiction of a feature of interest such ascontent of the bottom, or a size of a fish may be shown. The one or moreimaging devices may connect to a module housing, a display device, astreaming device, or a combination thereof.

The display device, one or more image modules, or both may be connectedto one or more streaming devices via a wire and/or wirelessly (e.g.,bluetooth, near field communication (NFC)). The one or more streamingdevices may function to receive data and stream data. The one or morestreaming devices may allow a user freedom to move and monitor alocation of interest, underwater sea life, or both. The one or morestreaming devices may provide information that is the same informationas would be displayed on the display device as is shown on a wireddisplay device. The one or more streaming devices may function toreceive signals and process the signals and then stream the signals to adisplay device. The one or more streaming devices may allow a user tomonitor a location (e.g., a hole in the ice, or a spot in a boat) whenthe user is at a remote location so that the user is not tethered to thelocation. For example, the user may be cutting new holes while stillmonitoring an initial hole. In another example, the user may move abouta boat and monitor activity without being constrained to a singlelocation. In yet another example, the user may use the display devicewhile at the steering wheel to monitor a GPS system or monitoring depthof the water in a specific location to support a draft of the boat andonce angling has commenced the display device may be moved to the bow ofthe boat to monitor the bottom of the body of water, existence of fish,existence of forage, depth, temperature, structure, or a combinationthereof. The streaming device may include one or more power packs. Thestreaming device may provide power to a display device, charge a displaydevice, or both. The streaming device may provide docking for one ormore display devices so that the display device may be visible by one ormore users, charged during use, displayed during use, or a combinationthereof. The one or more streaming devices may include one or moreports. The one or more ports may connect the streaming device to one ormore image modules. The one or more ports may couple the one or moreimage modules to the streaming device so that the streaming devicepowers the image modules and transmits the signals to a display device.The streaming device may provide Internet. The streaming device mayinclude speakers, an MP3 player, a CD player, a tape deck, USB ports, aradio, or a combination thereof. The one or more display devices mayinclude one or more carriers.

The one or more carriers may elevate the streaming device above asurface. The one, or more carriers may elevate the streaming, deviceabove ice so that the display device, the streaming device, or both arenot damaged, contacted by water, or both. The one or more carriers maybe a platform that elevates the streaming device. The one or morecarriers may be a frame that connects to the streaming device andelevates the steaming device. The one or more carriers may be a formedtube that elevates the streaming device and/or display device above asurface. The one or more carriers may be located on each side of thestreaming device and support the streaming device. The one or morecarriers may be buoyant. The one or more carriers may be connected toand/or include skis so that the streaming device may be pulled. The oneor more carriers may be formed of metal, plastic, a light weightmaterial, a hollow material, a solid material, or a combination thereof.The one or more carriers may include and/or be connected to a container.

The one or more containers may function to hold equipment, protectequipment, suspend, equipment above a surface, store an imaging device,store an imaging module, or a combination thereof. The one or morecontainers may be water resistant, water proof, or both. The one or morecontainers may store live bait, may include a bubbler, may store wetbait, may store dry bait, or a combination thereof. The one or morecontainers may store clothing such as hats, gloves, socks, the like or acombination thereof. The one or more containers may store lures, fishingline, fishing poles, fishing reels, or a combination thereof. Thestreaming device may include one or more antenna.

The antenna may function to provide a signal so that the signal may bedisplayed on a display device. The antenna may function to receive asignal such as a radio signal, a tv signal, or both is received by thestreaming device. The antenna may have sufficient strength so that asignal is streamed to about 10 m or more, 50 m or more, 100 m or more,or even 1000 m or more.

The carrier, the streaming device, or both may include one or morehandles for carrying the streaming device. Preferably, the carrierincludes at least one centrally placed handle so that the streamingdevice may be carried with a single hand. The handle may be locate at alocation on the streaming device so that the carrier is placed at acenter of mass, the streaming device is balanced, or both. The handlemay be located so that the streaming device may be pulled. The handlemay be static. The handle may include one or more hinges. The handle maybe storable so that the handle may be stored when the handle is not inuse. The handle may be located adjacent to a docking station in thestreaming device.

The docking station may function to electrically connect, signallyconnect, or both a display device to the streaming device and/or the oneor more image modules. The docking station may receive a portion of thedisplay device so that the display device is supported within thedocking station. The docking station may have a portion that extendsinto the display device so that power, signals, or both are provided toand/or from the display device. The docking station may provide signalsfrom one or more image modules that are connected to the streamingdevice to the display device for displaying an image.

The display device, image module, streaming device, or a combinationthereof may be used in a method to provide images. The method mayinclude a step of connecting an imaging device to a display device, astreaming device, or both. The imaging device may be powered and mayprovide power to an imaging module. The imaging module includes a modulehousing that receives one or more signals. The signal may be convertedand/or decoded or encoded from analog to digital and then transmitted.The signals may be amplified by one or more pre amplifiers. The signalmay be sent to a microprocessor, a converter that compresses the signalsize, encodes the signal, decodes the signal, or a combination thereof.The signal may be converted in an analog to digital convert. The signalis encoded by a microprocessor and made digital. The digital signal maybe transmitted from the module housing to the display device. The signalmay be decoded, decompressed, or both. The signal may be sent todisplay, device, where the display device decompresses the signal togenerate a display. The signal may not be encoded, compressed, or both.The display device, module housing, or both may only compress, encode,decompress, decode, or a combination thereof if more than one imagemodules are present, being used, or both. The signal may not be saved inflash memory. The signal may only be saved in random access memory (RAM)so that the signal is displayed on the display screen substantially inreal time. The signal may not be saved in any memory and may betransmitted directly to a display device so that the signal is displayedin substantially real time.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a display device 2. Thedisplay device 2 includes a display screen 4 with protective bumpers 6around the display screen 4. The protective bumpers 6 include a grippingportion 8 to assist a user in holding the display device 2. A switch 10is located on the display device 2 to control one or more functions ofthe display device 2. The display device 2 is connected to an attachmentstand 12.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the display device 2. As shown theprotective bumpers 6 cover the corners of the display device 2 andextend along the sides of the display device 2. The protective bumpers 6are molded to include a gripping portion 8. A display screen 4 islocated between the protective bumpers 6 and a switch 10 is locatedadjacent to the display screen 4. As illustrated, the display device 2is mounted to an attachment stand 12, but the display screen may beremoved from the attachment stand 12 and transported during operation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the display device 2. The grippingportion 6 is connected to the display device 2 and the gripping portionextends along the sides and onto the back of the gripping portion 6. Adocking cradle 22 is connected to the back of the display device 2 by alatch 24, and the docking cradle 22 includes a through hole that exposesa plurality of ports, 20 and a power port 21 that extend through thethrough hole in the docking cradle 22. The docking cradle 22 alsoincludes a power port 21 so that a signal, power, or both can besupplied to the display device 2 through the docking cradle 22.

FIG. 4A illustrates an image module 38 including a module housing 40removed from the display device (not shown). The module housing 40 isconnected to a transducer 60 by a module port 48 that is connected tothe transducer 60 by a module cord 46. The module port 48 connects to aport 20 in the module housing 40 so that a signal and/or power is movedbetween the transducer 60 and the module housing 38. The module housing40 includes drivers so that when the module housing 40 is connected tothe display device (not shown) a display is generated and shown.

FIG. 4B illustrates an image module 38 including a module housing 40physically and electrically connected to an open water transducer 62.The housing module 40 includes a port 20 that receives a module port 48that is connected to a module cord 46 for supplying signals, power, orboth between the open water transducer 62 and the image module 38.

FIG. 4C illustrates an image module 38 including a module housing 40with a port 20 for physically and electrically connected to a camera 64so that once the module housing 40 is connected to the display device(not shown) images captured by the camera are displayed through thedisplay device. The camera 64 includes a module cord 46 and a moduleport 48 that connect to the power of the image module 38 so that imagesignals, power, or both can be transmitted between the camera 64 and theimage module 38.

FIG. 5 illustrates the display device 2 generating a dual display 4 onthe display screen 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a docking cradle connected to adisplay device 2. The docking cradle 22 is connected to the displaydevice 2 by a latch 24 and a support ledge 28. The docking cradle 22includes a stand 26 that may be extended to support the display screen2. A plurality of module housings 40 extend through the docking cradle22 for attachment to one or more functional components (not shown).

FIG. 6A the docking cradle 22 includes a pair of latches 24 forconnecting the docking cradle 22 to a display device (not shown). Thedocking cradle 22 also include a port 20 so that, a signal, power, orboth can be supplied to the display device (not shown) through thedocking cradle 22. The docking cradle 22 includes a stand 26 thatsupports the display device (not shown) is a position where the displaydevice can be viewed. A bottom of the display device (not shown) restson a support ledge 28.

FIG. 7 illustrates a streaming device 100. The streaming device 100 maybe supported by a carrier 102 (not shown) that elevates the electricalcomponents of the streaming device 100. The carrier 102 (not shown)includes a container 110 (not shown) for elevating other containersabove the support surface such as ice. The streaming device 100 mayinclude a docking station 104 (not shown) for holding, displaying,and/or charging the display device (not shown) with the internal batterypack 112. The streaming device 100 includes an antenna 106 that streamssignals to the display device for wireless communication. A handle 108is located on the top of the streaming device 100 so that the streamingdevice can be easily moved. The streaming device 100 is connected to theplurality of module housings 40 so that the feed from the functionalcomponents (e.g., transducer, open water transducer, camera, or acombination thereof) can be fed into the streaming device 100 andtransmitted to a remote display device 2 through the antenna 106 anddisplayed on the display device 2 (not shown). The present teachingsprovide a marine display device comprising: (a) a housing including oneor more ports for connecting with one or more imaging devices thatgraphically or pictorially capture images of underwater sea life, (b) adisplay screen located within the housing that displays the graphical orpictorial images of underwater sea life, displays one or more globalpositioning satellite locations, one or more menu options, or acombination thereof, and (c) one or more sensors for detecting contactof the display screen by the user so that the contact by the usercontrols one or more functions of the marine display device; wherein theone or more sensors detect the contact of the user when the user iswearing gloves and the user is making contact with one or more fingers;the one or more sensors detect contact of a user when the device, theuser, or both are wet; the one or more sensors have wet rejection; or acombination thereof. The additional teachings of the streaming devicemay be found throughout the present application including U.S. PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/002,422, filed on May 23, 2014 FIG. 7 andparagraph nos. 007-008, 0020, 0030, 0032, 0036-0043, and 0052 all ofwhich are expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposesregarding the streaming device, antenna, carrier, docking station,handle, container, power pack, module housing or a combination thereof.

The present teachings provide one or more of the following which may beused with one or more of the devices discussed herein: a marinestreaming device comprising: (a) a carrier and (b) a housing connectedto the carrier, the housing including: (i) one or more attachment pointsfor receiving one or more image modules; (ii) one or more antennas thattransmit wireless signals received from the one or more image modules;and (iii) one or more power packs; and wherein the marine streamingdevice transmits the wireless signals to one or more marine displaydevices so that the one or more display devices display graphic orpictorial images of underwater sea life; wherein signals from two ormore image modules are simultaneously transmitted so that the two ormore images may be overlaid, displayed side by side, or both; whereinthe wireless signals are password protected, encrypted, or both; whereinthe housing includes a docking station for receiving one of the one ormore marine display devices; wherein the docking station powers thedisplay device, connects the display device to the one or more imagemodules, or both; wherein the carrier includes one or more containersthat store one or more articles, receive one or more containers, store atransducer, store a camera, or a combination thereof; wherein thehousing includes one or more handles for moving the marine streamingdevice; wherein the carrier elevates the housing above a surface so thatthe housing is free of contact with the surface; wherein the housingincludes speakers, headphone jacks, an MP3 player, or a combinationthereof; wherein the one or more sensors detect the contact of the userwhen the user is wearing gloves and the user is making contact with oneor more fingers; the one or more sensors detect contact of a user whenthe device, the user, or both are wet; the one or more sensors have wetrejection; or a combination thereof, wherein the one or more sensorsdetect capacitance created by the user during the contact between theuser and the display screen; wherein the one or more sensors function inconditions below about 5° C. or less, preferably about 0° C. or less, oreven more preferably about −10° C. or less; wherein the one or moresensors are free of resistive sensing; wherein the marine display deviceincludes a plurality of ports for connecting the marine display deviceto one or more imaging devices; wherein the image module pre-processes asignal before the signal is sent to display device so that the displaydevice is substantially free of any processing of the signal;substantially all processing is performed in the image module (i.e.,about 60 percent or more, preferably about 70 percent or more, or morepreferably about 80 percent or more of the processing); or a combinationof both; or a combination thereof.

The present teachings provide a method that may include one or more ofthe following steps that may be performed in virtually any order: amethod comprising: (a) connecting one or more image modules to one ormore display device, a streaming device, or both; (b) placing one ormore imaging devices in water; (c) transmitting a signal from each ofthe one or more imaging devices to the image module; (d) converting thesignal from each of the one or more imaging devices; and (e) displayingthe converted signal on the one or more display devices; wherein two ormore images are displayed side by side; wherein two or more images areoverlaid; wherein the one or more signals are streamed from thestreaming device to one or more display devices; wherein the methodincludes a step of monitoring one or more imaging devices from alocation remote to the imaging modules; wherein the method includes astep of rejecting one or more signals from one or more adjacent imagemodules; wherein the image modules are the image modules of any of theteachings herein, the display device is the display device of any of theteachings herein, and the streaming device is the streaming device ofany of the teachings herein; or a combination thereof.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner. The use of theterms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements,ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodimentsthat consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components orsteps. By use of the term “may” herein, it is intended that anydescribed attributes that “may” be included are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

-   -   2 Display Device    -   4 Display Screen    -   6 Protective bumper    -   8 Gripping portion    -   10 Switch    -   12 Attachment stand    -   14 Dual Display    -   20 Port    -   21 Power Port    -   22 Docking Cradle    -   24 Latch    -   26 stand    -   28 Support Ledge    -   38 Image Module    -   40 Module Housing    -   42 Power Pack    -   44 Drivers    -   46 Power Cord    -   48 Power Port    -   60 Transducer    -   62 Open water transducer    -   64 Camera    -   100 Streaming device    -   102 Carrier    -   104 Docking station    -   106 Antenna    -   108 Handle    -   110 Container    -   112 Power pack

We claim:
 1. A marine streaming device comprising: a housing including:i. two or more attachment points for receiving two or more imagemodules; ii. one or more antennas that transmit wireless signalsreceived from the two or more image modules; and iii. one or more powerpacks; and wherein the two or more attachment points connect one of twoor more imaging devices to each of the two or more image modules, sothat graphical or pictorial images of underwater sea life may becaptured by the two or more imaging devices; wherein the marinestreaming device is configured to transmit the wireless signals to oneor more marine display devices that are located remote from the one ormore image modules so that the one or more display devices display thegraphical or pictorial images of the underwater sea life; and whereinthe wireless signals from the two or more image modules aresimultaneously transmitted so that the graphical or pictorial images areoverlaid, displayed side by side, or both on the one or more marinedisplay devices.
 2. The marine streaming device of claim 1, wherein thewireless signals are password protected, encrypted, or both.
 3. Themarine streaming device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes adocking station for receiving one of the one or more marine displaydevices.
 4. The marine streaming device of claim 3, wherein the dockingstation is configured to: power the one or more marine display devices,connect the one or more marine display devices to the two or more imagemodules, or both.
 5. The marine streaming device of claim 1, wherein acarrier elevates the housing above a surface so that the housing is freeof contact with the surface.
 6. The marine streaming device of claim 1,wherein the housing includes one or more handles.
 7. The marinestreaming device of claim 5, wherein the carrier includes one or morecontainers that store one or more articles, receive one or morecontainers, store a transducer, store a camera, or a combinationthereof.
 8. The marine streaming device of claim 5, wherein the carrieris buoyant.
 9. The marine streaming device of claim 1, wherein thehousing includes speakers, headphone jacks, an MP3 player, or acombination thereof.
 10. The marine streaming device of claim 1, whereinthe one or more power packs include a standard outlet, a cigarettelighter outlet, a solar panel, or a combination thereof.
 11. The marinestreaming device of claim 1, wherein the one or more power packs providepower to the two or more image modules.
 12. The marine streaming deviceof claim 1, further comprising a solar panel that powers the marinestreaming device.
 13. The marine streaming device of claim 1, whereinthe wireless signals are bluetooth, near field communications, or both.14. A method comprising: a. connecting two or more image modules to astreaming device; b. connecting imaging devices to each of the two ormore image modules; c. placing the imaging devices in water; d.transmitting a signal from each of the imaging devices to the two ormore image modules; e. converting the signal from each of the imagingdevices; and f. monitoring the imaging devices from a location remote tothe two or more image modules; and g. displaying the converted signal onone or more display devices; and wherein two or more attachment pointsconnect the imaging devices to each of the two or more image modules, sothat graphical or pictorial images of underwater sea life may becaptured by the imaging devices; and wherein the converted signal fromthe two or more image modules are simultaneously transmitted so that thegraphical or pictorial images are overlaid, displayed side by side, orboth on the one or more display devices.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein two or more of the graphical or pictorial images are overlaid.16. The method of claim 14, wherein the converted signal is streamedfrom the streaming device to the one or more display devices.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the method includes a step of rejecting thesignal from the two or more image modules that are adjacent to eachother.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the streaming devicecomprises: a. a housing including: i. one or more attachment points forreceiving the two or more image modules; ii. one or more antennas thattransmit the converted signal, which is a wireless signal, received fromthe one or more image modules; and iii. one or more power packs; andwherein the streaming device is configured to transmit the convertedsignal to the one or more display devices so that the one or moredisplay devices display the graphic or pictorial images of theunderwater sea life.